A sharing by Ling Sing Lin
This is the title of a 2009 biographical drama film about how Gabrielle Chanel finds work in a bar by day as a seamstress for the performers, and as a cabaret singer by night. She earns a nickname Coco and her affair with an English baron initiates her into a world of fashion.
Coco’s designs are for modern women in styles that convey freedom and self determination, rather than being a man’s toy.
Today, Chanel is of course a world famous luxury fashion, accessories, eyewear, fragrance, skin care and makeup, fine jewelry and watches brand.
Success Stories
There are similar success stories the world over, of ordinary people who dare to dream, persevere against all odds, and succeed.
Sim Wong Hoo
A Singapore success story is that of Sim Wong Hoo. Born into an ordinary family, he attended a government school and then a polytechnic. He opened a computer repair shop with a friend. He founded Creative Technology. He started by developing and selling add-on memory boards for the Apple II computer. He then created customized PCs adapted for Chinese language, and enhanced audio capabilities to produce speech and melodies. This was followed by Sound Blaster, a standalone sound card.
He won accolades from both industry and the government for his innovations.
Unfortunately, he died in January 2023, at 68 years of age.
Many other Success Stories
There are many other success stories, too many to enumerate. It would also be invidious if I left out some, as I surely would if they are mentioned by name.
Just thinking about our ancestors who came to Singapore 100-150 years ago to eke out a living, will remind us of the hardships faced by almost all of them. About 25% became opium addicts, to help overcome the physical and emotional deprivations they faced. Yet, some overcame the odds, and became tycoons, community leaders and philanthropists.
Qualities/Traits for Success
There are traits that successful people have in common. These include confidence, integrity, optimism, good communication skills, passion, persistence, creativity, self discipline, resilience, commitment to learning, drive, patience, and self reliance.
There is no one clear path to success.
Every country has its success stories. The greatest success story in Singapore is of course our “Harry Lee before Lee Kuan Yew”.
With thanks to Unsplash for the pictures.
lingsinglin
Dr Ling Sing Lin is a medical doctor by training. She worked in MOH HQ for many years, in policy making and administrative positions, until her retirement.
